There's a place for Penny in NBA

Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard hasn't committed to defending his title in this season's slam-dunk contest during the All-Star break.

John Raoux/Associated Press

Anfernee Hardaway's playing days are over but must that mean his NBA value is zero?

This isn't a plea for one of the league's premier guards (preinjury) to attempt another depressing comeback.

But here's something to think about: Would Hardaway consider coaching?

Since the league has become so guard-oriented, wouldn't it make sense for a team in developmental mode to recruit someone who always played within a team concept, was a match-up nightmare and operated with a high basketball IQ?

"There's no question he'd make a good coach," said Elliot Perry, a fellow ex-Memphis Tiger and former NBA veteran who serves as the Grizzlies' radio analyst.

"He knows things that only great guards know. Plus, he still has the ability to get out there (on the court) and do some things (in practice) if necessary. Sometimes former players see the game from a different standpoint."

Perry went a step further, saying Hardaway has the right temperament and enough credibility to be effective in today's game.

"From a knowledge standpoint he's a guy who players remember and basketball is his passion. It's his life," Perry said. "He can pass a lot along to this generation of players."

Hardaway spent a lot of time around the Tigers last season when they made their NCAA title-game run.

Waiting his turn

With three head coaching jobs open after Toronto's dismissal of Sam Mitchell one has to wonder if any new names will surface should the Raptors, Oklahoma City and Washington decide to look past their interim choices.

That's what Orlando assistant coach Patrick Ewing is thinking about these days.

Ewing is hoping that his five years of coaching experience and Hall of Fame career might get him at least some cursory looks by searching general managers.

Ewing has worked for Orlando, Washington and Houston, and now he's getting antsy.

"It's very hard," Ewing said. "This is my fifth year as an assistant coach and I haven't gotten an interview yet. All I can do is keep putting in the hours and let people know that I'm interested."

Blazing Blazers

Portland has developed a knack for pulling games out in the fourth quarter, holding a 6-2 record in games decided by six points or less, and pulling away in the fourth quarter to seal wins over New Orleans (outscored Hornets 24-17 during the fourth quarter of a 15-point win), Detroit (26-21 in an 11-point win) and New York (33-22 in a seven-point win) during the past two weeks. That gives the Blazers five wins this season when trailing at the start of the fourth quarter, four of which came on the road.

Revisionist history?

As New Jersey's Devin Harris continues to build on a breakout season, former Dallas coach Avery Johnson has reportedly been whispering that he was against trading Harris for Jason Kidd.

Johnson's real reservation was that the Mavericks gave up two No. 1 picks instead of one.

Johnson ultimately liked Harris but did not trust him. Johnson began last season letting Harris run the team but after 20 games took away the play calling.

Meanwhile, Lawrence Frank has unleashed Harris and the statistics tell the story on a different approach.

In 39 games under Johnson last season, Harris averaged 14.4 points and 5.3 assists. In his first 39 games under Frank, Harris averaged 18.8 points and 6.4 assists.

Howard waffles

Magic center Dwight Howard won't yet commit to whether he'll defend his all-star slam-dunk title in February. He said following his "Superman" show is tough, but he does have some dunk ideas up his sleeve.

Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy's reaction on Howard's waffling?

"I was happy for him that he won it," Van Gundy said. "Other than that, I have virtually no interest in the slam-dunk contest or any of those other foolish contests."

Mobley may be done

Cuttino Mobley has yet to play a game for the New York Knicks and it seems more likely that his NBA career may be over because of a heart condition. The Rockets and Clippers knew he had a condition, but both teams signed waivers and allowed him to play. In his physical with the Knicks, there was a concerning issue that may force him to take a medical retirement.

From the baseline

Last week, Houston's Steve Francis suited up for the first time this season. "They had to go the Compaq Center (the Rockets previous home) and blow the cobwebs off one of my old jerseys," said Francis, who didn't play. ... Asked if he was impressed about Orlando's Howard having won an Olympics gold medal, Boston's Kendrick Perkins said, "What's his impression of me? I won a ring. I don't watch people like him. I'm not a fan if he ain't a Celtic." ... Guard Damon Jones remains on hold and essentially out of the league. Jones was obtained by Milwaukee last summer in the trade that sent Mo Williams to Cleveland. But Jones has not reported to the Bucks and both sides are looking into possibilities elsewhere for the veteran guard.

Call Ronald Tillery at 529-2353, read his Grizzlies blog at commercialappeal.com/tilleryand listen to him 6-8 a.m. weekdays on The Morning Rush on WHBQ-AM (560).